Dave McClure: Fishing at the farm is a lot of fun

Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League hosts several fishing events throughout the year.

There are bass fishing classes for teenagers taught in the spring by the Ashland County Bass Anglers.

In this two-day class, the teens learn the basics and fundamentals of bass fishing in one class.

The following weekend, The Bass Club takes them out on the lake for a mini fishing tournament.

Our annual Kids Day, which is the first Saturday in June, allows kids ages 6 to 12 years old to fish for bluegill trout and catfish in our stocked ponds.

There are fly-fishing classes. Students are taught everything from how to tie flies to where and when to fish. There are classes on how to fish from a canoe or kayak and basic skills for this water sport.

We have catfish tournaments each month starting in May. Our next catfish tournament will be Aug. 19. There was over 150 participants last month. The bounty fish has not been caught and the pot is well over $500. The biggest fish this year so far has been 10 pounds, 5 ounces. Last year, it was 18 pounds 5 ounces. There was a 21-pound, 2-ounce catfish caught last week in one of the ponds.

The next family in the outdoor event will be Aug. 20. We will have experts teaching fly fishing, turtle trapping and canoe/kayaking skills. There will be poles available or you can bring your own pole to fish from a kayak or canoe. This is a family event open to all age groups. Please call or text Dave McClure for the times on this event.

Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League's first membership and donors/sponsors picnic will be 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. Meat and drinks will be provided by the board. Members will need to bring a covered dish and a game to share. If you have donated or sponsored an event in the past, please join us as our special guest. There will be a fishing derby for the kids and other door prizes. Hope you can join us for this fun filled family day.

Any questions call Dave McClure 419-651-3482 thank you.

Why is it so easy to weigh a fish? They have their own scales.

What did the fish say when it swam into the block wall? Dam.

Dave McClure is a member of Ashland County Wildlife Conservation League and the organizer of the Teens in the Outdoors program. He can be contacted at 419-651-3482.